What I Learned in January 2017

I'm a list maker. I've found joy in looking back at things accomplished, whether the task is small and insignificant, or one I've been putting off, fretting over, and finally checked off my list. I also take delight in stopping to notice the simple pleasures along the way.

So it would seem natural for the list making diva that lives in me to write what she's learned in a given period of time. Many of my blogging friends write these kind of posts. I get so much enjoyment from reading them, I decided to share my own. Because really, isn't it the every day moments that make a day, a month, a life?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. I put all my measuring spoons in a cute caddy. Cooking and baking is so much simpler since I'm not digging through the drawer looking for the proper tool.

2. I don't multi-task well with people when I have major projects I'm working on, or tasks that need to be accomplished. I'm single-minded and my brain forgets everything but what I'm working on. Why has it taken me so long to discover this?


3. Essential oils really do work. All the hype was lost on me until I started having hot flashes. I was desperate for relief and found a book with recipes. I'm a believer.


4. I may have left one of my Christmas trees up throughout the month of January. Tucked away in my bedroom, the sparkle of lights gave me joy as I read at night, much more than during the hustle of the Christmas season.

5. I went to my first book club. In fact, two book clubs in one month. And I was giddy as a school girl with her first crush. What have I been missing all these years? The two clubs were different in style, but I've loved both. My Friday morning Bible study decided we wanted to read Beth Moore's new novel in the interim before our spring study cranks up. It has been fantastic reading it together and discussing the ongoing saga of a murder mystery/redemption story of a dysfunctional family. The second is a club at a book store in Greenville, completely out of the box for me. My introverted self even joined in the discussion.

I'm sure there were many other things I learned this month, but these were the highlights. I hope you'll take a moment to look back at January before you move on to February. Notice the simple, small ways your life has been changed for the better. It doesn't have to be earth shattering. There may be someone you need to give thanks for, or a note you need to send. Remember, it's the simple acts of kindness people see and feel the most.